Photos: Southeast’s largest Whole Foods opens today in Midtown

If you notice large crowds, live music, and other hoopla at the corner of Midtown’s 14th and West Peachtree streets this weekend, worry not; it’s just the grand opening of Whole Foods’s 500th location.

Spanning 70,000 square feet over three stories, the new mega-store is the grocery brand’s largest in the Southeast.

But Whole Foods officials hope the new location becomes more than just a grocery store.

“Whole Foods Market Midtown will be a true gathering space for the community,” said Bobby Turner, president of the South Region at Whole Foods Market, in a prepared statement.

By the looks of things, Turner’s not just blowing smoke.

In addition to 1,500 local grocery options, the store features four fast-casual eateries. Expect regular social and health and wellness-centric events, too, such as art shows, open mic nights for Atlanta comics and musicians, and yoga and cycling classes.

And, of course, there’s a build-your-own avocado toast bar, too.

Located at Related Group’s Icon Midtown residential development, the new Whole Foods offers a rooftop hangout—Canopy Court—replete with games (hello, cornhole), TVs, and a food truck.

Elsewhere, the 14th Street Bar also features an outdoor balcony looking out at the 14th and West Peachtree intersection and beyond, as well as a screened-in porch with heaters, for the colder months.

Patrons can also find the Capital Commons coffee bar, a Farm Burger, and a flower shop on-site.

In other company news, Whole Foods Market’s regional headquarters is planned for just down the road, at Colony Square.